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Pinnacle Peak Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,706 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsdale, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pinnacle Peak Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A trail allows visitors to hike to the top of Pinnacle Peak & those with experience may rock climb.
What runners say about Pinnacle Peak Park
“One of Arizona’s best hikes, not crowded, clean and it’s great for kids and beginners, or if your pro it’s great to run up and down.”
“Just a beautiful spot with so many picture moments.”
“The only downside is the lack of shade, which can make it uncomfortable in the summer.”
Great hike for easy to moderate hike with 360⁰ views. While there is a fair amount of elevation change, the 2 mile trail is very well maintained with steps, benches, and signage. It's a 4 mile out and back or can be through-hiked. The park facility is very good.
Maps doesn't really do a good job taking you to the right spot. Got sent into a really nice neighborhood. Besides that the hike itself was nice. Easy trail, very well maintained.
Great hike, well paved, no confusing trails no bouldering. Moderate incline and mix of flatter easier trail. The rules are strict so make sure you get back to your car before they close the park which is a time that changes every 2-4 weeks! Or else your car will get locked in the lot.
We didn't realize that a short hike was involved to reach the top and see the valley below. I also discovered that many will hike all the way down the other side and then return.
Trail conditions & character
“And the best hint I wished that we had known was to park on the street outside of the gate so that we could see the views after the sun had set.”
“The last part of the trail is steep with switchbacks and in my opinion isn't worth going on if you're just trying to enjoy the view on a hike.”
“The parking is limited, but everything is super well maintained and the trail is well marked.”
“The only downside is the lack of shade, which can make it uncomfortable in the summer.”
“Love the sections where there are markers pointing to other mountains in the valley that you can see from a distance:) took us round trip 1 hour 55 min stopping a few times.”
Plan your run at Pinnacle Peak Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitescottsdaleaz.gov
- Phone(480) 312-0990
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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